Events

Lagos Deepens Oyo Cultural Collaboration Ahead Alaafin’s Birthday

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2025

Lagos State strengthens Lagos Oyo cultural collaboration as Aregbe visits Alaafin ahead of 50th birthday, promoting heritage, unity, and royal diplomacy

The Lagos State Government is strengthening Lagos Oyo cultural collaboration ahead of the 50th birthday celebration of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.

Also read: Oyo state to host inaugural Adire Expo to boost economy, cultural tourism

On Tuesday, Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, visited the monarch at his palace in Oyo.

He conveyed warm regards from Lagos and described the golden jubilee as a celebration of royal heritage, leadership, and cultural endurance.

“This visit is not just to honour Kabiyesi on the occasion of his 50th birthday, but also to strengthen cultural diplomacy between Lagos and Oyo. There is a shared heritage between our people, and this is an opportunity to build on it,” Aregbe said.

He explained that the meeting served as a platform to reflect on the evolving role of traditional rulers in contemporary governance, particularly in shaping cultural identity and national development.

Describing the Alaafin as a “wellspring of wisdom,” Aregbe praised Oba Owoade for his knowledge of Yoruba history and traditional institutions.

“Kabiyesi is a custodian of profound wisdom. His guidance and vision for the preservation of African heritage truly reflect the essence of royalty,” he stated.

Aregbe further reiterated the commitment of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to inter-state collaborations that promote tourism, heritage preservation, and cultural exchange.

He stressed the need for joint efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s traditional values for future generations.

Also read: Oyo state government supports yemoja Ibadan festival to enhance cultural tourism

The visit marks a key step in fostering unity and deepening the Lagos Oyo cultural collaboration as both regions explore greater synergy in the arts, culture, and governance.

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Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

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September 2, 2026

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”